Dietary plans based on calcium

ABSTRACT

The subject invention provides methods of inducing the loss of adipose tissue by providing a diet high in calcium. In one aspect of the invention, the calcium is provided in the form of dairy products. In yet another aspect of the invention, calcium is provided in the form of a dietary supplement, such as calcium carbonate, of vitamin supplements. Methods of suppressing [Ca 2+ ] i  levels in individuals are also provided. The subject invention also provides methods of stimulating lipolysis, inhibiting lipogenesis, and increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). The subject invention also provides methods of increasing the core temperature of an individual.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/066,057, filed Jan. 31, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/654,357, filed Sep. 1, 2000, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,087, which are, hereby, incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The regulation of body weight, and particularly body fat, in animals is a complex process having enormous implications for the health and well being of humans and other animals. Excess body weight and/or an excess of body fat relative to lean body mass has been associated with a wide range of health problems including coronary artery diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

[0003] It has been estimated that half of all Americans are overweight. Within the United States about 24% of men and 27% of women defined as mildly to severely obese. Individuals 20% over ideal weight guidelines are considered obese. Obesity is classified as mild (20-40% overweight), moderate (41-100% overweight), and severe (>100%) overweight. Severe obesity is relatively rare, affecting less than 0.5% of all obese individuals and about 0.1% of the total population.

[0004] Obesity is not just a problem for humans. Many animals also suffer adverse consequences related to obesity. For example, approximately 10 to 40% of cats receiving veterinary care have been reported to be overweight. Factors contributing to feline obesity include a sedentary lifestyle, confinement to indoors, and neutering. Obese cats have a greater risk for certain diseases including osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, perineal dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, and urologic syndrome. Therefore, it is critical to maintain a healthy weight in order to minimize disease risk. (See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,544.)

[0005] Obesity in humans is treated by a variety of means ranging from surgical procedures (gastric bypass) for the severely obese to diet therapy, behavior modification, and medication for the mildly to moderately obese. Management of moderate and mild obesity is typically performed by the individual and commercial organizations which provide behavior modification programs and, in some cases, prepackaged diets. The medical community recommends that diet treatments be administered under medical supervision.

[0006] The range of treatments for obesity reflects the complexity of the processes involved in weight regulation and the current lack of understanding of these processes. Recent reports have even implicated viruses as a possible causative factor in obesity (U.S. News and World Report, Aug. 7, 2000). There are also numerous reports of possible genetic bases for a predisposition to obesity. Moll et al. have reported that, in many populations, obesity seems to be controlled by a few genetic loci (Moll, et al., Am. J. Hum. Gen. 49:1243 (1991)). In addition, human twin studies strongly suggest a substantial genetic basis in the control of body weight, with estimates of heritability of 80-90% (Simopoulos, A. P. and Childs, B., eds., 1989, in “Genetic Variation and Nutrition in Obesity,” World Review of Nutrition and Diabetes, 63, S. Karger, Basel, Switzerland; Borjeson, M., Acta. Paediatr. Scand. (1976) 65:279-287).

[0007] Recombinant agouti protein, an obesity gene product, stimulates Ca²⁺ influx in a variety of cells. Agouti also stimulates the expression and activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS), a key enzyme in de novo lipogenesis, and inhibits basal and agonist-stimulated lipolysis in human and murine adipocytes via a Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism. These effects can be mimicked in the absence of agouti by either receptor or voltage-mediated Ca²⁺ channel activation and inhibited by a Ca²⁺ channel antagonist, such as nifedipine.

[0008] Recent data demonstrated that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)₂-D) causes a significant and sustained increase in intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_(i)) in primary cultured human adipocytes and a corresponding inhibition of lipolysis (Zemel, et al., FASEB J. (2000) 14:1132-1138). Increasing dietary calcium suppresses [Ca²⁺]_(i), inhibits 1,25-(OH)₂-D, and subsequently suppresses adiposity by stimulation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis. Consistent with these findings, increasing dietary calcium from 400 to 1000 mg/day resulted in a 4.9 kg reduction of body fat in humans over the course of one year (Zemel, et al., FASEB J. (2000) 14:1132-1138). Dietary calcium can also attenuate the diet-induced development of adiposity and promote weight loss in established obesity (Shi, H., et al., FASEB J. (2000) 555.3 (abstract)).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The subject invention provides materials and methods for treating or avoiding obesity in humans and other animals. Advantageously, the materials and methods of the subject invention can be used to easily and efficiently achieve weight loss and/or prevent weight gain. In a preferred embodiment, the obesity-control benefits of the subject invention are achieved by providing a diet high in calcium. In one aspect of the invention, individuals are maintained on a restricted caloric diet.

[0010] In a specific embodiment of the subject invention, calcium is provided in the form of dairy products. In yet another aspect of the invention, calcium is provided in the form of a dietary supplement, such as calcium carbonate, or vitamin supplements.

[0011] The subject invention also provides methods of stimulating lipolysis, inhibiting lipogenesis, and increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). The subject invention also provides methods of increasing the core temperature of an individual as well as methods of diagnosing, treating, and/or monitoring obesity. Methods of suppressing [Ca²⁺]_(i), levels in individuals are also provided.

[0012] The instant invention also provides methods of attenuating weight gain and adiposity in children and controlling weight gain in children by increasing the amounts of dietary calcium consumed by the children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIGS. 1A-B show the effects of 1,25-(OH)₂-D (left panel) and parathyroid hormone (right panel) on intracellular calcium in human adipocytes.

[0014]FIG. 2 depicts the effects of 1,25(OH)₂-D on forskolin-stimulated lipolysis in human adipocytes. Forskolin treatment resulted in a ˜-two-fold increase in glycerol release; data shown are normalized to 100% for the forskolin-treated group. (n=6/group; P<0.001).

[0015]FIG. 3 illustrates the effects of calcium and dairy products on 6 wk weight gain in transgenic mice expressing agouti in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 promoter.

[0016]FIG. 4 depicts the effects of calcium and dairy products on core temperature in transgenic mice expressing agouti in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 promoter.

[0017] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate the effects of calcium and dairy products on adipocyte fatty acid synthase activity (upper panel), fatty acid synthase mRNA (middle panel) data are expressed as fatty acid synthase (FAS: actin ratio) and lipolysis in transgenic mice expressing agouti in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 promoter. Data are expressed as mean±standard deviation (n=10/group). Statistical significance is as indicated in each panel.

[0018] FIGS. 6A-B depict the effects of calcium and dairy products on fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels in transgenic mice expressing agouti in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 promoter. The top panel depicts insulin and the bottom panel depicts glucose.

[0019] FIGS. 7A-C show the effects of 6-week consumption of basal low calcium (0.4%), high fat, high sucrose diet on body weight (top panel), total fat pad mass (middle panel) and basal adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) (lower panel) in aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Data are expressed as mean±SE (n=8). *p<0.001 vs. before administration.

[0020] FIGS. 8A-C show the effects of 6-week administration of high calcium diets on weight reduction (FIG. 8A, upper panel), fat pad mass (FIG. 8B, middle panel) and basal adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) (FIG. 8C, lower panel) in energy-restricted (70% of ad lib) aP2-agouti transgenic mice. Data are expressed as mean±SE (n=8).

[0021] FIGS. 9A-C show the effects of 6-week administration of high calcium diets on fatty acid synthase activity (FIG. 9A, upper panel), fatty acid synthase mRNA (FIG. 9B, middle panel) and lipolysis (FIG. 9C, lower panel) in energy-restricted (70% of ad lib) a Pe-agouti transgenic mice. Glycerol release is used to measure lipolysis. Data are expressed as mean±SE (n=8).

[0022] FIGS. 10A-B show the effects of 6-week administration of high calcium diets on abdominal adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression in energy-restricted (70% of ad lib) a P2-agouti transgenic mice. Upper panel (FIG. 10A): a representative northern blot from 8 replicates; lower panel (FIG. 10B): quantitative analysis of UCP2/actin mRNA density units. Data are expressed as mean±SE (n=8). *p<0.05 vs. basal diet.

[0023]FIG. 11 shows the effects of dietary calcium on plasma insulin levels. Data are expressed as mean±SE (n=8). *p<0.001 vs. before basal diet treatment; +p<0.001 vs. ad libitum.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The subject invention provides materials and methods for treating or avoiding obesity in humans and other animals. Advantageously, the materials and methods of the subject invention can be used to easily and efficiently achieve weight loss and/or prevent weight gain. In a preferred embodiment, the body weight benefits of the subject invention are achieved by providing a diet high in calcium.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides methods of inducing the loss of adipose tissue in a human or other animal by increasing the ingestion of calcium. In one aspect of the invention, the calcium is provided in the form of a dairy product, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. In another aspect of the invention, calcium is provided in the form of a dietary supplement, such as calcium carbonate or vitamin supplements. In yet another aspect of the invention, individuals are maintained on a restricted caloric diet.

[0026] Also provided are methods of decreasing intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_(i)), stimulating lipolysis , inhibiting lipogenesis, and increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). The subject invention also provides methods of increasing the core temperature of an individual (thermogenesis). Each of these methods is practiced by increasing the amount of calcium ingested by an individual and, optionally, restricting the caloric intake of the individual.

[0027] Also provided are novel and advantageous methods of restoring normal body fat ratios in women post partum. In one such embodiment, the methods are practiced by identifying an individual who has recently given birth to a child and increasing the amount of dietary calcium consumed by the individual.

[0028] Methods of preventing or reducing the regain of weight lost after an initial period of dieting are also provided by the instant invention. This method can be practiced by identifying an individual who has lost weight as a result of a previous diet and increasing the amount of dietary calcium consumed by the individual.

[0029] Also provided are methods of decreasing the levels of calcitrophic hormones (1,25-(OH)₂-D) in an individual by increasing the amount of dietary calcium consumed by the individual.

[0030] The subject invention also provides methods of reducing the risk of obesity in a child by increasing the amount of calcium consumed by the child. Calcium intake can be accomplished by, for example, increasing the intake by the child of dairy products or other products containing high levels of calcium.

[0031] Also provided are methods of reducing, attenuating, or treating obesity comprising decreasing the levels of calcitrophic hormones (1,25-(OH)₂-D) in an individual by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a 1,25-(OH)₂-D antagonist, for example dietary calcium. Other 1,25-(OH)₂-D antagonists include 1,25-(OH)₂-D neutralizing antibodies; soluble 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor; fusion proteins comprising the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor (for example soluble forms of the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor fused to Ig heavy chains or moieties which preferentially target adipocytes); chemical compounds; and compounds containing calcium, such as calcium carbonate.

[0032] The subject invention also provides methods of reducing, treating, or attenuating obesity in an individual comprising the administration of therapeutically effective amounts of 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor antagonists. Examples of such antagonists include antibodies which block the ligand binding site of the receptor; chemical compound antagonists of the receptor; and analogs, homologs, or isomers of 1,25-(OH)₂-D which specifically bind to the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor but which antagonize the function of the receptor, for example 1-β, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

[0033] Calcium provided to an individual in accordance with the subject invention may take the form of, for example, a dairy product (for example milk, non-fat dry milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream or frozen yogurt), a nutrient supplement (such as calcium fortified vitamins and liquids supplemented with calcium), foodstuffs supplemented with calcium, or other foods high in calcium (for example, salmon, beans, tofu, spinach, turnip greens, kale, broccoli, waffles, pancakes, or pizza).

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of dietary calcium is provided to an individual. A therapeutically effective amount of dietary calcium is an amount of calcium sufficient to induce weight loss, prevent weight gain, and/or increase the metabolic consumption of adipose tissue in a mammal.

[0035] Fusion proteins comprising the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor may be made according to methods known in the art. An exemplary type of fusion protein comprises the soluble form of the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor fused to Ig heavy chains according to the teachings of Capon et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,3375 and 5,336,603, hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties). In other embodiments, at least one 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor (Nemere, et al., J. Bone Miner. Res. (1998) 13:1353-59; Fleet, et al., Nutr. Rev. (1999) 57:60-64) is incorporated into liposomes which are preferentially targeted to adipocytes using, for example, acylation stimulating protein (ASP) (Kalant et al., Clin. Invest. Med. (1995) 18 (Supp. B:B1O); Maslowska, et al., Int. J. Obesity (1998) 22:S108; Maslowska, et al., Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP): Role in Adipose Tissue, in Progress in Obesity Research: 8, (1999), Ed. B. Gut-Grand and G. Ailhaud, John Libbey & Co.). In other embodiments, soluble forms of the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor may be coupled to adipocyte targeting agents such as the ASP. Soluble forms of the 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptor may be produced from the membrane bound form of the Vitamin D receptor according to methods known in the art. Coupling of one or more soluble 1,25-(OH)₂-D receptors to one or more adipocyte targeting agents may be accomplished recombinantly or using chemical crosslinking compounds, such as those sold by Pierce (Rockford, Ill.).

[0036] The term “individual” includes animals of avian, mammalian, or reptilian origin. Mammalian species which benefit from the disclosed methods include, and are not limited to, apes, chimpanzees, orangutans, humans, monkeys; domesticated animals (pets) such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and ferrets; domesticated farm animals such as cows, buffalo, bison, horses, donkey, swine, sheep, and goats; exotic animals typically found in zoos, such as bear, lions, tigers, panthers, elephants, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, giraffes, antelopes, sloth, gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, prairie dogs, koala bears, kangaroo, opossums, raccoons, pandas, giant pandas, hyena, seals, sea lions, and elephant seals. Reptiles include, and are not limited to, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, snakes, iguanas, and/or other lizards. Avian species include, and are not limited to, chickens, turkeys, pigeons, quail, parrots, macaws, dove, Guinea hens, lovebirds, parakeets, flamingos, eagles, hawks, falcons, condor, ostriches, peacocks, ducks, and swans.

[0037] Each of the methods discussed above may further comprise restricting the caloric intake of a n individual. Additionally, dietary products containing high levels of calcium may be provided to the individual in conjunction with a dietary plan. The dietary products may be provided to the individual on a regular or scheduled basis or on demand by the individual.

[0038] The methods of the subject invention may further comprise analysis of an individual's dietary intake. This analysis may be accomplished by analysis of the foods consumed by the individual as recorded on questionnaires regarding dietary intake or dietary logs completed by the individual. The logs or questionnaires may be in electronic or paper form.

[0039] Dietary intake information may be obtained by asking an individual questions in person or over the internet. In this aspect of the invention, questions can be posed to the individual regarding dietary habits and/or food consumption. The questions may be transmitted over the internet. Alternatively, forms or dietary logs can be transmitted to the customer over the internet. In either aspect of the invention, the information recorded by the individual can be returned to the web site by way of the internet. Dietary intake may be analyzed by a computer receiving the information from the individual through the internet.

[0040] The analysis of the individual's dietary intake may be performed by a computer after input of the data related to food consumption by the individual. The foods consumed by the individual, as well as the amounts, are compared to a database containing the nutritive values of the foods and the nutritional composition of the diet of the individual is provided. After analysis of the nutritional composition of the foods ingested by the individual, the amount of calcium consumed by the individual is provided. Recommendations regarding increases in the amount of calcium consumed by the individual, as well as sources of dietary calcium, may be provided from a database which compares the amount of calcium consumed with that found to optimize or induce weight loss.

[0041] In some instances, the caloric intake of an individual may be unmodified and caloric intake may be ad lib. In other instances, it may be desirable to reduce the caloric intake of the individual as part of the dietary plan. In one embodiment, the range of caloric intake of the individual is based upon gender. Caloric intake can range from about 200 to about 2500 kcal per day. In a preferred embodiment, the range of caloric intake is about 300-2400 kcal per day, preferably 500-2200 kcal per day, more preferably 700-2000 kcal per day, even more preferably 900-1700 kcal per day, and most preferably 1100-1500 kcal per day.

[0042] The weight/height ratio may be calculated by obtaining the weight of an individual in kilograms (kg) and dividing this value by the height of the individual in meters. Alternatively, the weight/height ratio of an individual may be obtained by multiplying the weight of the individual in pounds (lbs) by 703 and dividing this value by the square of the height of the individual (in inches (in)). These ratios are typically referred to as BMI. Thus, BMI=kg/m² or BMI=(lbs.×703)/(in)².

[0043] Where BMI is utilized as a measure of obesity, an individual is considered overweight when BMI values range between 25.0 and 29.9. Obesity is defined as BMI values greater than or equal to 30.0. The World Health Organization assigns BMI values as follows: 25.0-29.9, Grade I obesity (moderately overweight); 30-39.9, Grade II obesity (severely overweight); and 40.0 or greater, Grade III obesity (massive/morbid obesity). Using weight tables, obesity is classified as mild (20-40% overweight), moderate (41-100% overweight), and severe (>100%) overweight. Individuals 20% over ideal weight guidelines are considered obese. Individuals 1-19.9% over ideal weight are classified as overweight.

[0044] Information related to the benefits of maintaining a normal weight, or optionally a normal weight/height ratio, dietary plan(s) containing high levels of calcium and printed matter disclosing the benefits of a high calcium diet may, optionally be provided in electronic or printed form and may be stored in a database.

[0045] A further aspect of the subject invention provides methods for promoting good health by providing a product with calcium wherein the provision of the product is accompanied by information regarding the benefits of the consumption of calcium with respect to the control of obesity. The calcium-containing product which is provided may be a dietary product such as, for example, cereals, milk and other dairy products, vegetables and other foodstuffs which are either naturally high in calcium or which are fortified with calcium. The product with calcium may also be a dietary supplement in the form of, for example, a pill or liquid.

[0046] The information regarding the benefits of the consumption of calcium with respect to the control of obesity would typically include, for example, a written or verbal explanation that the consumption of calcium is associated with weight loss and/or the prevention of weight gain. This information can be presented in such a fashion so that a potential purchaser and/or user of a product which contains calcium would understand that the consumption of the product with calcium could cause weight loss or reduce weight gain, and that the weight loss or reduction in weight gain from the use of the product would be directly attributable, at least in part, to the calcium present in the product.

[0047] In accordance with the subject invention, the information regarding the obesity-control benefits of a calcium-containing product may directly accompany the product. Thus, the information may be, for example, printed on a cereal box, a milk container, a cheese package, or an ice cream carton. The information may also be distributed through broader channels of communication including, for example, newspapers, magazines, direct mailings, radio, television, the internet, and billboards. Other distribution channels include verbal communication, pamphlet distribution, print media, audio tapes, magnetic media, digital media, audiovisual media, advertising, electronic mail, braille, electronic media, banner ads (including Internet banner ads and aircraft towed banners), fiber optics, and laser light shows. In a preferred embodiment, the information thus distributed regarding the benefits of calcium with regard to weight loss would identify a particular product with calcium which could be ingested in order to receive the obesity control benefits of calcium. The particular product could be identified by, for example, a trade name.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the obesity-control benefits of calcium are communicated by the provider of a particular calcium-containing product. The provider may be, for example, the owner of the trade name for the product. The information regarding the obesity-control benefits of calcium may also describe the benefits of a general class of products which contain calcium. Thus, the information may describe, for example, the obesity-control benefits of diary products which contain calcium. This information could be distributed by, for example, a trade association. Similarly, the information may describe the obesity-control benefits of dietary supplements which contain calcium.

[0049] The obesity-control information provided according to the subject invention may be provided with, or without, information relating to other health benefits which may be attributed to calcium or which may be attributed to other components of the product which contains calcium. Thus, the obesity-control information may be accompanied by information concerning the benefits of calcium with respect to osteoporosis.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, information regarding calcium's obesity-control benefits would be practiced by a commercial entity having a financial interest in the sale of a product, or a class of products, which contain calcium. This would not typically be, for example, a doctor providing a specific patient with medical advice regarding a diet high in calcium without reference to particular trade names of products. This would also not typically include scientific articles describing research evaluating the obesity-control benefits of calcium.

[0051] The subject invention also provides articles of manufacture useful in stimulating the metabolic consumption of adipose tissue. Such articles of manufacture would typically comprise foodstuffs and printed materials disclosing the obesity-control advantages of high calcium diets. In one aspect of the invention, the printed materials may be in the form of pamphlets, package inserts, or as part of the package. In another aspect of the invention, the information may be embossed or imprinted on the foodstuff. Information so provided may include the amounts of calcium contained within the foodstuff, recommended levels of calcium intake necessary for the metabolically-assisted loss of adipose tissue, recommended BMI values, or recommended heights and weights for individuals. The foodstuff may be a solid or liquid. In one aspect of the invention, liquids with increased levels of calcium are provided as a dietary supplement for the treatment of obesity or stimulation of the metabolic consumption of adipose tissue. In this aspect of the invention, the liquids may be color coded to indicate the amounts of calcium contained therein. By way of example, food coloring additives are introduced into the liquid to indicate the amounts of calcium contained therein. A green colored liquid may contain 100 mg of calcium per serving, a yellow liquid may contain 200 mg of calcium per serving, and a magenta liquid may contain 500 mg of calcium per serving.

EXAMPLE 1 Regulation of Adiposity by Dietary Calcium Materials and Methods

[0052] Isolation and Culture of Human Adipocytes

[0053] Human subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from patients with no known history of metabolic disorders undergoing abdominal plastic surgery. Adipocytes were isolated by washing, mincing, collagenase digestion, and filtration as described previously and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum, penicillin (100 IU/ml), streptomycin (100 μg/ml), and gentamicin (50 μ/ml). Cells were cultured in suspension and maintained in a thin layer at the top of the culture media, which was changed every day. Cells were studied about 72 hours after isolation and were serum-starved prior to study.

[0054] Animal and Diets

[0055] To evaluate the role of dietary calcium in regulating adiposity in vivo, transgenic mice expressing agouti specifically in adipocytes under the control of the aP2 promoter were studied. These animals exhibit a normal pattern of leptin expression and activity similar to that found in humans and exhibit a human pattern (adipocyte-specific) of agouti expression. These mice are useful models for diet-induced obesity in that they are not obese on a standard AIN-93G diet, but become obese in response to hyperinsulinemia induced by either insulin administration or high sucrose diets. Male aP2-agouti transgenic animals from our colony were placed at 6 wk of age on a modified AIN 93-G diet with suboptimal calcium (0.4%), sucrose as the sole carbohydrate source, and fat increased to 25% of energy with lard. They were randomized to four groups, as follows. The basal group continued this diet with no modifications; a high calcium group received the basal diet supplemented with CaCO₃ to increase dietary calcium by three-fold to 1.2%; a medium dairy diet, in which 25% of the protein was replaced by non-fat dry milk and dietary calcium was increased to 1.2%; and a high dairy group in which 50% of the protein was replaced by non-fat dry milk, increasing calcium to 2.4%. Food intake and spillage was measured daily, and animals were weighed weekly. At the conclusion of the 6 week feeding period, animals were killed by exsanguination under isofluorane anesthesia, and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for glucose and insulin measurements. Fat pads (epididymal, perirenal, abdominal, and subscapular) were dissected, immediately weighted, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80° C. Fatty acid synthase activity and mRNA levels were measured in abdominal fat.

[0056] Core Temperature

[0057] Core temperature was used as an indirect metabolic index to determine whether any reduction in efficiency of conversion of good energy to body weight was accompanied by increased thermogenesis. Temperature was measured via a thermo-couple (Columbus Instruments, Columbus, Ohio). The probe was inserted a constant distance (1.8 cm) into the rectum of each animal. After stabilization (10 s), the temperature was recorded every 5 s for 30 s. All temperature measurements were made between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.

[0058] Intracellular Calcium (Human Adipocytes)

[0059] Intracellular Ca²⁺was determined fluorometrically as described previously. Cells were washed with HEPES-buffered salt solution loaded with fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester (10 μM) for 45 minutes at 37° C. in the dark with continuous shaking. Cells were then rinsed three times, resuspended, and intracellular Ca²⁺ was measured using dual excitation (340 and 380 nm)/single emission (510 nm) fluorometry. After the establishment of a stable baseline, the response to 1,25-(OH)₂-D or parathyroid hormone (10 pM-100 nM) or their respective vehicles was determined. Digitonin (25 μM) and Tris/EGTA (100 mM, pH 8.7) were used to for calibration to calculate the final intracellular Ca²⁺.

[0060] Lipolysis

[0061] Adipocytes were incubated for 4 hours in the presence or absence of forskolin (1 μM), and glycerol release into the culture medium was measured to assess lipolysis. Glycerol release data was normalized for cellular protein.

[0062] Fatty Acid Synthase Activity and mRNA Levels

[0063] Immediately after death, adipose tissue was isolated and fatty acid synthase activity was measured in cytosolic extracts by measuring the oxidation rate of NADPH. Enzyme activity was protein corrected using Coomassie blue dye.

[0064] Total RNA was extracted by cesium chloride density gradient, electrophoresed, subjected to Northern blot analysis, and hybridized with a radiolabeled rat cDNA probe for fatty acid synthase using standard methods. Autoradiographs were quantitated densitometrically, and all blots were stripped and reprobed with β-actin as a loading control.

[0065] Statistical Analysis (In vitro and Animal Data)

[0066] All data are expressed as mean±SD. Data were evaluated for statistical significance by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or t test, depending on the number of comparisons made. All data sets with multiple comparisons were analyzed via ANOVA, followed by separation of significantly different group means via test the least significant difference using SPSS-PC (v. 8.0).

[0067] NHANES III Analysis

[0068] To determine whether the animal observations are relevant in defining a role for dietary calcium in modulating body composition at the population level, an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data set was conducted. This large cross-sectional survey conducted between 1988 and 1994 followed a complex, four-stage probability sampling scheme designed to represent the entire U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population over the age of 2 months. Only adults completing all three phases of the study (interview, physical examination, and laboratory examination) were included in this data analysis: respondents were excluded from this analysis if they could not provide complete, usable body composition/anthropometric data (e.g., amputees and individuals wearing casts), used insulin, or were pregnant, recently pregnant, or currently breast-feeding. Body composition was assessed using the anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance data collected during the physical examination, with percent body fat calculated using the regression equations derived by Segal.

[0069] Odds ratios for percent body fat and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were estimated by multiple logistic regression analysis with a Roust variance estimation method using SUDAAN (Shah, et al., SUDAAN User=s Manual, Release 7.0 (1996)). Point estimates for all parameters were weighted to reflect the population distribution of each; variances were calculated using SUDAAN to take the complex sampling design into account. Analyses were conducted separately for men and women, and all odds ratios were adjusted for age by including age in the model as a continuous variable. Other covariates included in the model were caloric intake, race/ethnicity, and activity level. Characteristics of the study sample are shown in Tables 1 and 2. TABLE 1 Characteristics of NHANES III Study sample^(a) Women Men (n = 380) (n = 7114) Age (years) 28.7 ± 0.4 43.5 ± 0.44 Body mass index (kg/m²) 25.7 ± 0.4 26.6 ± 0.11 Body fat (%) 32.7 ± 0.6  25 ± 0.2 Calcium intake (mg/day) 720 ± 52 965 ± 15  Dairy product consumption 54.7 ± 3   51.4 ± 1   (monthly frequency) Energy intake (kcal/day) 1896 ± 68  2656 ± 28  Dietary fat (g/day) 74 ± 4 102 ± 2 

[0070] TABLE 2 Quartiles of body fat for women and men in the NHANES III Study^(a) % Body fat Quartile Women Men 1 22.82 ± 0.45 15.47 ± 0.14 2 30.54 ± 0.17 22.83 ± 0.06 3 34.85 ± 0.18 27.55 ± 0.06 4 42.49 ± 0.44 34.08 ± 0.11

[0071] Results

[0072]FIG. 1 demonstrates that both 1,25-(OH)₂-D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulate significant, sustained increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ in primary cultures of human adipocytes (P<0.001: EC_(50 ˜)50 pM for 1,25-(OH)₂-D and ˜10 nM for PTH). 1,25-(OH)₂-D treatment also resulted in marked (83%) inhibition of forskolin-stimulated lipolysis (P<0.001) in human adipocytes (FIG. 2). PTH treatment exerted little effect on lipolysis (data not shown) despite its stimulation of an intracellular Ca²⁺ response, most likely as a result of an accompanying activation of adenylate cyclase.

[0073] Treatment of aP2-transgenic-agouti mice with the high fat/high sucrose basal diet resulted in a weight gain of 24%, which was reduced by 26 and 29% by the high calcium and medium dairy diets, respectively (P<0.04), and further reduced by 39% by the high dairy diet (P<0.04; FIG. 3). These differences occurred despite the lack of any difference in food intake. Measurement of core temperature, an indirect metabolic index, reflected these observations, with ˜0.5° C. increases in core temperature in response to all three high calcium diets (P<0.03; FIG. 4). This increase, coupled with the lack of difference in food intake, is indicative of a shift in efficiency of energy metabolism from energy storage to thermogenesis.

[0074] This shift in energy metabolism was evident in studies of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in de novo lipogenesis that is highly sensitive to regulation by nutrients and hormones. The basal diet caused a 2.6-fold increase in fatty acid synthase activity, and this effect was markedly attenuated by all three high calcium diets (P<0.002; FIG. 5A). The diets caused corresponding decreases in adipocyte fatty acid synthase mRNA, with a 27% reduction on the high calcium diet and a 51% reduction on the medium and high dairy diets (P<0.01; FIG. 5B). Adipocyte lipolysis responded to dietary manipulations in an inverse fashion to the fatty acid synthase responses. The basal diet caused a marked (67%) suppression of lipolysis (P<0.0001); however, lipolysis was stimulated 3 to 5.2-fold by the high calcium diets (P<0.015; FIG. 5C), with greater effects from the high dairy diets than from the high calcium diet. Assessment of fat pad mass after 6 wk of dietary treatment provides further support for these findings. Table 3 demonstrates that all three high calcium diets caused a 36% reduction in mass of the epididymal, abdominal, perirenal, and subscapular adipose tissue compartments (P<0.001). Epididymal and subscapular fat pad mass was reduced by ˜50% by all three diets, whereas the abdominal fat pads exhibited greater decreases on the medium and high dairy diets than on the high calcium diet (P<0.001; Table 3). TABLE 3 Effects of calcium and dairy products on fat pad mass in transgenic mice expressing Agouti in adipose tissue under control of the aP2 promoter^(a) Basal High Calcium Medium dairy High dairy Abdominal (g) 2.239 ± 0.109 1.807 ± 0.082*  1.661 ± 0.127**  1.680 ± 0.113** Perirenal (g) 1.675 ± 0.124 1.271 ± 0.098* 1.172 ± 0.128* 1.052 ± 0.094* Epididymal (g) 0.198 ± 0.036 0.110 ± 0.017* 0.110 ± 0.014* 0.097 ± 0.015* Subscapular (g) 1.592 ± 0.318 0.680 ± 0.069* 0.663 ± 0.068* 0.639 ± 0.087* Sum^(b) (g) 5.703 ± 0.548 3.649 ± 0.238* 3.705 ± 0.276* 3.787 ± 0.251*

[0075] Serial measurements of plasma glucose and insulin demonstrate a diabetogenic effect of the basal high fat/high sucrose/low calcium diet, with an increase in fasting glucose from 98±10 to 130±11 mg/dl (P<0.02) and a corresponding degree of compensatory hyperinsulinemia. These increases were attenuated by the high calcium and medium dairy diets and prevented by the high dairy diet (FIG. 6).

[0076] Table 4 summarizes the NHANES III data analysis. After controlling for energy intake, activity level, age, race, and ethnicity, the odds ratio of being in the highest quartile of body fat was markedly reduced from 1.00 for the first quartile of calcium intake to 0.75,0.40, and 0.16 for the second, third, and fourth quartiles, respectively (multiple R²=0.20; P=0.0009), in adult women. Similarly, the regression model for males demonstrated an inverse relationship between calcium and dairy intakes and body fat (multiple R²=0.40; P=0.0006), although a comparable dose-responsive reduction in relative risk (odds ratio) by quartile of calcium intake was not evident from the model. TABLE 4 Effects of dietary calcium, and dairy intake on the risk of being in the highest quartile of body fat for women^(a) Quartile Dairy Odds ratio of of calcium Calcium intake consumption being in the and dairy (mg/day: (servings, month: highest body consumption mean ± SEM) mean ± SEM) fat quartile 1 255 ± 20 14.4 ± 1.9  1.00 2 484 ± 13  38 ± 1.3 0.75 (0.13, 4.22)^(b) 3 773 ± 28 57.2 ± 1.0  0.40 (0.01, 3.90)^(b) 4 1346 ± 113 1346 ± 113  0.16 (0.03, 0.88)^(b)

EXAMPLE 2 Effects of Dietary Calcium on Adipocyte Extracellular Calcium, Lipid Metabolism, and Weight and Fat Reduction Materials and Methods

[0077] Animals and Diets

[0078] aP2-agouti transgenic (aP2-a) mice were used as an animal model in this study. The characterization of these animals has been described previously (Mynatt, et al. (1997)). These transgenic mice express normal agouti protein specifically in adipose tissue under the control of the aP2 promoter (Mynatt, et al. (1997)), similar to the adipocyte-specific human pattern of agouti expression. These mice are useful as an animal model for the study of diet-induced obesity study, as they are not obese on a standard AIN 93-G diet, but become obese in response to hyperinsulinemia induced by either exogenous insulin administration (Mynatt, et al. (1997)) or high sucrose diet (Zemel, et al. (1999)).

[0079] This study was divided into two 6-week stages. In the first stage, 60 6-week-old male aP2 mice were placed on a modified AIN 93-G diet with suboptimal calcium (0.4%), sucrose as the sole carbohydrate source and lard added to increase fat to 25% of energy. To evaluate this low calcium/high fat/high sucrose diet-induced obesity in these animals, we monitored the body weight was monitored every 5 days and 8 representative mice were euthanized for measurement of fat pad mass and adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) at the end of first 6 week-basal diet feeding. In the second 6-week stage, the rest of mice that exhibited diet-induced obesity were randomly assigned to five groups. One group was continued ad lib on the same low calcium (0.4%) diet with no modification, while the other four groups were maintained with energy restriction (70% of ad lib) as follows. The mice in basal restriction group were placed on the basal low calcium (0.4%) diet with Kcal-restriction. A high calcium energy restricted group received the basal diet supplemented with calcium increased to 1.2%. Two additional groups, termed medium dairy and high dairy, were fed modified basal diet in which either 25 or 50% of protein was replaced by non-fat dry milk, with total dietary calcium increased to 1.2 or 2.4%, respectively. Diet was administrated daily and body weight was monitored every five days. At the end of second stage, all mice were euthanized with beuthanasia (concentrated pentobarbital with phenytoin) and blood was obtained via cardiac puncture for insulin and glucose measurement. Fat pads (epididymal, perirenal, abdominal and subscapular) were dissected, immediately weighed, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −80 ° C. Fatty acid synthase activity and mRNA levels were measured in abdominal fat.

[0080] Core Temperature

[0081] Core temperature was used as an indirect metabolic index to determine if dietary calcium regulates energy metabolism associated with increased thermogenesis, an important contribution to energy expenditure. Temperature was measured via a thermocouple (Columbus Instruments, Columbus, Ohio) weekly (Kim, et al. (1996)). The probe was inserted a constant distance (1.8 cm) into the rectum of each mouse. After stabilization (10 seconds), the temperature was recorded every 5 seconds for 30 seconds. All core temperature measurements were performed between 8:00 and 9:00 A.M.

[0082] Mouse Adipocyte Intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_(i)) Measurement

[0083] Isolated mouse adipocytes were prepared from mouse abdominal fat depots as previously described (Shi, et al. (1999)) with slight modification. Briefly, adipose tissue was first washed several times with Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, minced into small pieces and digested with 0.8 mg/ml type I collagenase in a shaking water bath at 37° C. for 30 min. Adipocytes were then filtered through a sterile 500 μm nylon mesh and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells were cultured in suspension and maintained in a thin layer at the top of culture media for two hours for cell recovery.

[0084] [Ca²⁺]_(i) in i solated mouse a dipocytes w as measured using a fura-2 dual wavelength fluorescence imaging system. Prior to [Ca²⁺]_(i) measurement, adipocytes were pre-incubated in serum-free medium for 2 hrs and rinsed with Hepes Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) containing the following components (in mmol/L): NaCl 138, CaCl₂ 1.8, MgSO₄ 0.8, NaH₂PO₄ 0.9, NaHCO₃ 4, glucose 5, glutamine 6, Hepes 20, and bovine serum albumin 1%. Adipocytes were loaded with fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (AM) (10 μmol/L) in the same buffer for 1 hr at 37° C. in a dark incubator with 5% CO₂. To remove extracellular dye, adipocytes were rinsed with HBSS 3 times and then post-incubated at room temperature for an additional 30 m in for complete hydrolysis of cytoplasmic fura-2 AM. A thin layer of adipocytes was plated in 35 mm dished with glass coverslips (P35G-0-14-C, MatTek Corporation). The dishes with dye-loaded cells were mounted on the stage of Nikon TMS-F fluorescence inverted microscope with a Cohu 4915 CCD camera. Fluorescent images were captured alternatively at excitation wavelength of 340 and 380nM with an emission wavelength of 520 nM. [Ca²⁺]_(i) was calculated using a ratio equation as described previously(Grynkiewicz, et al. (1985)).

[0085] Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) Activity Assay

[0086] FAS activity was determined spectrophotometrically in crude cytosolic extracts of mouse adipose tissue as previously described (Jones, et al. (1997)). Mouse abdominal fat pads were homogenized in 250 mmol/L sucrose solution containing 1 mmol/L ethylenediamine-tetraacticacid (EDTA), 1 mmol/L dithiothreitol (DTT), and 100 μmol/L phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) (pH 7.4). Homogenate was centrifuged at 18,500×g for 1 hr and the infranatant was used for measuring oxidation rate of NADPH.

[0087] Lipolysis Assay

[0088] Following the sacrifice, mouse perirenal adipose tissue was immediately dissected and incubated for four hours. Glycerol released into the culture medium was determined as an indicator of lipolysis, using a one-step enzymatic fluorometric method as previously described (Boobis, et al. (1983)).

[0089] Northern Blot Analysis

[0090] Northern blot analysis was conducted as described (Shi, et al. (1999)). Total RNA from mouse abdominal adipose tissue was extracted using CsCl₂ density centrifugation, run in 1% agarose gel and transferred to nylon membrane (New England Nuclear, Boston, Mass.). The membrane was hybridized with uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) or FAS cDNA probes that were radiolabeled using a random primer method. Unbound probe was removed by rinsing the membrane with 2×SSC/0.1% SDS for 30 min at room temperature and 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS for 45 min at 55° C. Finally, the membrane was exposed to X-ray film (New England Nuclear, Boston, Mass.) at −80° C. All membranes were stripped and reprobed with β-actin as loading control.

[0091] Statistical Analysis

[0092] All data are expressed as mean±SE and evaluated for statistical significance by one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Ill.). A p value<0.05 is considered significant.

[0093] Results

[0094] To establish the animal model of diet-induced obesity in aP2-agouti transgenic (aP2-a) mice, mice were placed on low calcium (0.4%)/high fat/high sucrose diet for 6 weeks. Administration of aP2-a mice with this diet resulted in a 2-fold increase in adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) (128±18 vs. 267±15 nM, p<0.001, lower panel, FIG. 7), with a corresponding body weight gain of 27% (p<0.001, upper panel, FIG. 7) and two fold increase in total fat pad mass (p<0.001, middle panel, FIG. 7), demonstrating that diet-induced dysregulation of adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) is associated with increased adiposity in aP2-a mice.

[0095] The role of dietary calcium in facilitating weight loss in calorically restricted obese aP2-a mice was evaluated. These obese aP2-a mice were maintained either on the same low calcium basal diet ad lib or on the Kcal-restricted (70% of ad lib) diets supplemented with or without dairy or CaCO₃ as dietary calcium supplementary sources. FIG. 8 illustrates that all three calcium diets, including high calcium diet (1.2% Ca²⁺ derived from CaCO₃), medium dairy diet (1.2% Ca²⁺ derived from non-fat dry milk replacing 25% of protein) and high dairy diet (2.4% Ca²⁺ derived from non-fat dry milk replacing 50% of protein), caused a 50% decrease in adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) (p<0.001, FIG. 8), while [Ca²⁺]_(i) in adipocytes from mice maintained on the Kcal-restricted basal low calcium diet remained at the same elevated level as that of ad lib animals.

[0096] An examination was conducted as to whether a dietary calcium-induced decrease in adipocyte [Ca²⁺]_(i) facilitated the body weight loss and fat pad mass reduction. As shown in FIG. 8, energy restriction resulted in a body weight loss by 11% (p<0.001, FIG. 8), compared to ad lib group. However, markedly greater weight reductions of 19, 25, 29% were observed in the high calcium, medium and high dairy groups, respectively (p<0.01 vs. basal energy-restricted group, FIG. 8). Consistent with this, energy restriction caused an only 8% decrease in fat pad mass, compared to basal diet ad lib group, while the high calcium diet caused a 42% decrease (p<0.001, FIG. 8), which was further reduced by 60 and 69% by the medium and high dairy diets (p<0.001 vs. basal energy-restricted group, FIG. 8), respectively.

[0097]FIG. 9 demonstrates that the high calcium diet caused a 35% decrease in fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity (p<0.05 vs. basal energy-restricted group), which was further reduced by 63 and 62% by the medium and high dairy diets (p<0.05), respectively. Similarly, the three high calcium diets caused corresponding decreases in adipocyte FAS mRNA, with 61%, 72% and 81% reductions on high calcium, medium dairy and high dairy diets, respectively (p<0.05vs. basal energy-restricted group, FIG. 9). Increasing dietary calcium caused a corresponding increase in lipolysis. Although the basal energy restricted diet did not affect adipocyte lipolysis, the high calcium diet caused 77% stimulation in lipolysis (p<0.05. FIG. 9), which was further increased by 2 fold in the medium and high dairy diet groups (p<0.05 vs. basal energy-restricted group, FIG. 9). Increased lipolysis, coupled with decreased lipogenesis, may represent a metabolic state in which the efficiency of energy metabolism is shifted from energy storage to energy expenditure.

[0098] This shift in energy metabolism was further confirmed by dietary calcium-induced increase in core temperature. All three high calcium diets exerted stimulatory effects on core temperature, with 0.48° C., 0.57° C. and 0.67° C. increases on the high calcium, medium dairy and high dairy diets, respectively (p<0.05), while the basal energy restricted diet did not affect on core temperature. A possible physiological basis underlying the increased core temperature is that the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), which has been implicated in thermogenesis (Fleury, et al. (1997); Gimeno, et al. (1997)), was up-regulated in white adipose tissue, with 80% increase on all three high calcium diets (p<0.05, FIG. 10). This demonstrates that dietary calcium may also modulate energy metabolism associated with thermogenesis. Accordingly, a coordinated up-regulation of lipolysis and down-regulation of lipogenesis, coupled with increased thermogenesis, may serve to shift the energy metabolism from energy storage to energy expenditure on high calcium diets.

[0099] The basal low calcium diet exerted a hyperinsulinemic effect, with a 2-fold increase in plasma insulin levels (p<0.001, FIG. 11). The mice maintained on this basal diet ad lib exhibited sustained levels of hyperinsulinemia, while energy restriction per se reduced plasma insulin by approximately 50%. The high calcium diets did not further significantly affect insulin levels, although there was a non-significant trend towards further reductions (FIG. 11).

EXAMPLE 3 Methods of Administering a High Calcium Diet

[0100] The subject invention provides methods useful in diagnosing, treating, and/or monitoring obesity. One method of the subject invention comprises the following steps:

[0101] a. determining the weight and, optionally, the height of an individual;

[0102] b. comparing the weight, or optionally the weight/height ratio, of the individual to established norms;

[0103] c. optionally, classifying the obesity of the individual;

[0104] d. optionally providing the individual with information relating to the benefits of maintaining a normal weight, or a normal weight/height ratio; and

[0105] e. providing the individual with a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and, optionally printed matter disclosing the obesity-control benefits of a high calcium diet.

[0106] The subject invention also provides computer implemented methods of diagnosing, treating, and/or monitoring obesity. The methods of this embodiment of the subject invention can comprise the following steps:

[0107] a. determining the weight and, optionally, the height of an individual and inputting these values into a computer system;

[0108] b. optionally calculating the weight/height ratio of the individual;

[0109] c. comparing the weight, or optionally the weight/height ratio, of the individual to established norms contained in a weight and/or weight/height database available to the computer;

[0110] d. optionally classifying the obesity of the individual;

[0111] e. optionally providing the individual with information relating to the benefits maintaining a normal weight, or optionally a normal weight/height ratio; and

[0112] f. providing the individual a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and, optionally printed matter disclosing the obesity-control benefits of a high calcium diet.

[0113] g. optionally monitoring the progress of the individual.

[0114] The subject invention also provides computer implemented methods of diagnosing, treating, and/or monitoring obesity over a communication network. The methods of this embodiment of the subject invention can comprise the following steps:

[0115] a. obtaining weight and, optionally, height data from an individual by input of the data on a web page;

[0116] b. optionally calculating the weight/height ratio of the individual in a computer connected to the communication network;

[0117] c. comparing the weight, or optionally the weight/height ratio, of the individual to established norms contained in a weight and/or weight/height database available to said computer;

[0118] d. optionally classifying the obesity of the individual;

[0119] e. optionally providing the individual with information relating to the benefits maintaining a normal weight, or optionally a normal weight/height ratio; and

[0120] f. providing the individual a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and, optionally, information regarding the obesity-control benefits of a high calcium diet.

[0121] This method may further provide requesting verification that the weight and height values inputted by the individual are correct. The method may also provide the classification of obesity, information relating to the benefits maintaining a normal weight, or optionally a normal weight/height ratio, providing the individual a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and/or information regarding benefits of a high calcium diet to the individual only at the request of the individual. The communication network may be the Internet, an intranet, LAN, WAN, a real private network, or two or more computers connected electronically.

[0122] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method of regulating the body weight of an individual comprising the steps of: (a) providing the individual with information disclosing that consuming dietary calcium and/or dairy products is associated with one or more health effects selected from loss and/or reduced gain of weight and/or fat, and/or metabolic consumption of adipose tissue, and (b) providing the individual with a dietary plan for consuming products containing an effective amount of dietary calcium and/or dairy products sufficient to induce the one or more health effects.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining consumption of dairy and/or calcium-containing products by said individual, and formulating a dietary plan for consuming products containing an effective amount of dietary calcium.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising preparing an analysis of the individual's dietary intake of calcium and/or dairy.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising monitoring the calcium or dairy consumption of the individual and/or monitoring the weight of the individual.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the determination of the average daily consumption of calcium and/or dairy comprises obtaining information about the amounts and types of foods consumed by the individual.
 6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the information is obtained by having the individual answer questions over the internet, and the information is analyzed by a computer after input of the data by the individual, and the information is compared to a database containing the nutritive values of the foods, and the nutritional composition of the diet of the individual is provided, including the amount of calcium consumed, and further comprising providing recommendations regarding increases in the amount of calcium consumed by the individual if the amount of dietary calcium consumed is suboptimal.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the weight and the height of the individual.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculating the body mass index of the individual and comparing the body mass index of the individual to established norms.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the individual with information relating to the benefits of maintaining a normal weight.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising monitoring the calcium or dairy consumption of the individual and/or monitoring the weight of the individual.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising implementing the method over a communication network comprising inputting weight values on a web page and comparing the values with a database available on the Internet.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the individual with products containing therapeutically effective amounts of calcium.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the dietary plan comprises maintaining the individual on a restricted caloric diet.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual is obese.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual is moderately overweight.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual has lost weight and is preventing or reducing weight regain after weight loss.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the products containing calcium comprise dairy products.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the products are selected from the group consisting of milk, yogurt, and cheeses.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the products containing calcium comprise foods fortified with calcium.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the products containing calcium comprise a dietary supplement.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising gathering and analyzing information regarding dietary habits and/or food consumption of the individual.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of dietary calcium in the dietary plan is at least about 1000 mg/day.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of dietary calcium in the dietary plan is at least about 1346 mg/day.
 24. The method of claim 11, wherein the dietary plan includes at least about 57 portions of dairy products per month.
 25. A method of inducing a metabolic change in an individual comprising the steps of: (a) providing the individual with information disclosing that increasing consumption of dietary calcium from suboptimal amounts is associated with a metabolic change, and (b) providing the individual with a dietary plan for consuming products containing amounts of dietary calcium sufficient to induce the metabolic change, the metabolic change being selected from decreasing intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_(i)), stimulating lipolysis, inhibiting lipogenesis, increasing the expression of white adipose tissue uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), reducing serum insulin levels, thermogenesis, and/or decreasing the levels of calcitrophic hormones.
 26. A method of diagnosis and treatment of obesity comprising the following steps: (a) determining the weight and, optionally, the height of an individual; (b) comparing the weight, or optionally the weight/height ratio, of the individual to established norms; (c) optionally, classifying the obesity of the individual; (d) optionally providing the individual with information relating to the benefits of maintaining a normal weight, or a normal weight/height ratio; and (e) providing the individual with a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and, optionally printed matter disclosing the obesity-control benefits of a high calcium diet.
 27. A computer implemented method of diagnosing, treating, and/or monitoring obesity comprising the following steps: (a) determining the weight and, optionally, the height of an individual and inputting these values into a computer system; (b) optionally calculating the weight/height ratio of the individual; (c) comparing the weight, or optionally the weight/height ratio, of the individual to established norms contained in a weight and/or weight/height database available to the computer; (d) optionally classifying the obesity of the individual to Group I, Group II, or Group III obesity; (e) optionally providing the individual with information relating to the benefits maintaining a normal weight, or optionally a normal weight/height ratio; (f) providing the individual a dietary plan containing high levels of calcium and, optionally printed matter disclosing the obesity-control benefits of a high calcium diet; and (g) optionally monitoring the progress of the individual
 28. The method according to claim 27, wherein step (a) is carried out by input of the data on a web page. 